Interchangeable hat construction



Feb. 24, 1948.

A. a. JOSEPHS INTERCHANGEABLE HAT CONSTRUCTION Filegi Oct. 11, 1945 19 HEIR'HHFf/U I. JDSEPHS Mia/NM ATTORN EY Patented Feb. 24, 1948 UNITED" STATES Q'FI QE This invention relates generally to headgear and more. particularly to interchangeable hat or cap construction.

In connection with certain forms of headgear particularly for naval or military use it-is desir-- able. to use a standard frame with replaceable crowns or. covers. wearers burden in that-he. need carry withihim on .-his travels only a single frame and a plurality of separate relatively easily packed covers or,

require one-darkblue crown, two whitelcrowns' and possibly av khaki crown.

Invaccordance with the present invention a single-framerof a partially collapsible nature is used in cooperation with a seriesof' different crowns, and. it is among theobjects ofthe inventionto provide such structure which shall'b-e relatively fiexib'leand lightin weight so as to beieasily, carried and. so as to be comfortable when worn.

Since it is desirable thatth'e wearer may be able towash the light coloredor khaki'crowns wherever he may be, itis' another object of the present invention to providev hat structure in which the crown may be removed 'from the frame for Washing, or cleaningland the stretcher ring mayalso be removed from the frame'to be used in connection with the proper shaping of the "crown as it dries after washingorcleanin'g.

A stillfurther object liesinitheprovision' of an interchangeable type of hat 'or'cap'in which the stretcher ring may, berem'oved' for a'soft appearance or for increased'comfortand'adaptability when a telephonereceiver headsetis worn right over the cap.

Another object of the present invention lies in the provision ofiah'at or cap of'the class described in which the insertion'or installation of the crown stretcher. ring into the crownof the hat or its vremovaltherefrom is facilitated; so as to become an easily; quickly and conveniently performed operation requiring no tools or special skill.

Afurther' object'of the'invention'lies in the provision of structure having "the-above described interchangeable crown'features yet which is of light weight and is durable so that "a flexible peak or visor construction maybe'utilized;

A'stillfurther'object liesin the provision of combination sweatproofi'ng and identification means which is connected to the cap frame and is thus usable with any one of a series of "separate crowns, thereby reducingthenumber of parts This reduces theofficers' or and printing operations. with a consequent reduction in :cost "of materials andmanufacturer Another object lies in the provision-of Tmeans for properly initially placing .a'-crown upon the I frame so-thatthe remaining crown attaching:

operations, are vmaolemcre convenient and. quicka. 1y. performed a Anotl'ler object lies. in l the provision. of structuremeans forladj usting. the position. of. a portion,

ofthe combination .sweatprcof Iand identification means so 1 that I the .said meansv may. take tasb'al anced' position in the capmfor purposesof comfortandappearance andiease of manufacture.

These. objects or andlotherincidental endslandadvantages .will more fully appear in the-progress of this disclosure and be pointed out in' the appended. claims.

In. the accompanying vdrawings, in which simi lar refe'rence characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure .lis a b'ottomplan'view of anavaloifi cers cap astan illiistrative embodimentofthe invention.

Figure2isa side elevational'view of 'the'cap shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a fragmentary? elevationa'livi'ew showingjth'e rearor irlner portion ofth'e front support element and some of the associate'd'struc ture as the same might be seenifrom'inside'f'the cap looking forward.

Figure 4 is'. anenlargedIverticallongitudinal sectional View as I seen from the" plane t i on Figure 1.

Figure 5'is a reduced'bot'tomplan view'showing the crown removed "from the frame.

Figure 6*is a r'educed pIan view of the crown stretcher ring;'

Figure *7 'is "afragmentaryrear elevational view of the cap ori'hat' frame With' the crown and decorative band' removedshowing tlfe'means for adjustably connecting the rear portion-of the sweatproof and "iden'tifi'cation'means' to the'main Figure'B is an enlarged fragmentarysectional viewas seenfrom "the' plane 8"8 'on'Figure""2f In accordance with the invention, the hat or cap "generally indicated 'by reference character"! 0 comprises broadly-a frame' H, a crown l2ia stretcher ring "l3,,an'd connectormeans Mi- I5 and I 6 see Figures 1 to'8 inclusive) The frame 'I l 'is' of generally circularcon-figurati'on" of "asize' andshape' adapted to fit the head of the wearer and may include a main'band l1; anauxiliarybanddiija'sweatband'll), a dec= orative outer band 20; a reinforcing strip"? I; la

'movable with respect to the first portion.

frontal support 22, stretcher ring detachably engaging means 23, and a decorative strap 24. Integrated with the frame I is the peak or visor 25.

The crown l2 is of generally circular configuration of a size and shape to conform or correspond with the size and shape of the frame H from both utilitarian and aesthetic considerations and may include a top wall 26, a front wall 21, rear quarter walls 28 and 29, a retainer band 39, and a sweatproof and identification means carrier 3|. While only one crown |2 is shown in the drawings, as will more fully appear as this disclosure proceeds, any desired number of other crowns, having different color or fabric characteristics but otherwise of substantially identical construction may be substituted therefor.

The main band I! is of annular shape and may be made of any suitable material having the desired stiffness with some flexibility. Covered buckram, or straw or fiber webbing may be used. Additional strength and shape holding properties may be obtained by the use of spiral stitching (not shown) well known in this art.

Secured about the lower horizontal edge of the main band i! in any suitable manner, as for example by the row of sitiches 32 is the auxiliary band l8 having a cushioning inner portion 33 and an outer portion 34. Thus, as best seen in the sectional views in Figures 4 and 8 the auxiliary band I8 is U shape in cross section with the outer leg (the outer portion 34) being taller. The outer portion 34 rearwardly of the visor 25 is provided with an outwardly extending flange, bead or rib 35 which is peripherally disposed. The rib 35 furnishes vertical support to the lower edges of the retainer band 36 and the desorative band thereabove. In the area above the visor some vertical support is given to the lower edges of the retainer band 39 and the decorative band 20 by the upper portion of the visor.

The auxiliary band i8 is preferably composed of soft felt or heavy loosely woven flannel. The upper edge of the outer portion 34 may be further secured in place by the row of stitches 36 joining saidportion to the main band H. The

rib may be formed by sharply bending or folding the lower part of said outer portion 34 and securing the bend or fold so formed by a row of stitches 31 (see Figure 8).

The sweat band [9 may be of the usual type, an annular band of leather or other absorbent material and is secured at the lower edge 38 -:thereof to the inner portion of the bottom fold of the auxiliary band |8, by a row of stitches 39.

The sweat band 19 not only performs its ordinary function, but also protects the head of the wearer from contacting the nuts on the inner ends of the connector means l4, l5, and. the prongs forming the inner ends of the connector I6.

Disposed forwardly of the main band I! above the upper edge of the outer band portion 34 and secured to the upper portion of said band in any suitable manner as for example by means of the hollow rivets 49 and 4| is the frontal support member. This support member 22 is preferably composed. of relatively stiff but flexible material ,and while shown as being of a single layer of .planar material, it may be laminated. The frontal support member 22 has a first portion which is secured to the upper portion of the band I! by the rivets 49 and 4| and which is relatively stationary, while the second or remaining portion of the frontal support member is arcuately (See the dot-dash lines in Figure 4.) As seen in the full lines in said figure the second portion of the frontal support member is maintained in proper operative position by the ring I3 as will more fully appear hereinbelow. Furthermore the frontal support member may be provided with addltional stays or stiifeners (not shown). The upper edge 42 of the member 22 is curved to conform to the shape of the juncture 44 of the top wall 26 and the front and rear walls 21-29 when the parts are in engaged position or fully set up. The edge 42 may be bound with tape 43.

The frontal support member 22 at the upper edge 42, centrally thereof, is provided with the stretcher ring detachably engaging means 23 which takes the form of a pocket or recess. This pocket or recess is formed by the connection of the upper edge 42 to the forward edge 12 of the carrier 3 I.

Forwardly of the lowermost portion of the frontal support member 22 and the portion 34 of the auxiliary band l8 thereat is the reinforcing strip 2| which is suitably connected to the main band II, for example by the rivets 45 and 46.

The decorative outer band 29 is an annular band and may be composed of any suitable decorative material, for example, it may be composed of fiat braid. The decorative strap 24 may be made of leather, metallic braid or webbing. The band ll, the band 29 and the strap 24 are provided with orifices positioned to coincide with the position of the connector means l4 and |5 when said bands and strap are in proper place upon the cap I0. In the case of the band 29 these orifices are substantially diametrically disposed in the opposed side portions thereof while in the strap they are located substantially at the terminals thereof.

The crown is preferably composed of a suitable planar material such as woven cloth and the top wall may be secured to the inwardly and downwardly converging front wall 21 and rear quarter walls 28 and 29 by suitable stitching along the juncture 44. The side edges of the front wall 21 and the rear quarter walls 28 and 29 are interconnected along the seams 41, 48, and 49, while the lower edges of these walls are connected by an annular row of stitches 59 to the upper edge of the retainer band 39; While not shown for the purpose ofclarity in the drawings, exposed edge seams may be taped in a well known manner, and the lower edge of the band 39 may have a double hem to slightly stiffen and reinforce the same. The band 30 is provided with two substantially diametrically disposed orifices in the opposed side portions thereof, and with another orifice in the upper central front portion thereof all to coincide with correspondingly positioned orifices in the band 20 to permit penetration thereat by the connectors l4, l5 and I6.

Directly below the inner surface of the top wall 26 and preferably arranged longitudinally of the cap ill, the sweatproof and identification means carrier 3| is secured at the forward end thereof to the edge 42 of the support 22 as has been previously described, and at the rear end thereof to the slide member 16. The carrier 3| is preferably in the form of a piece of waterproof cloth and has spaced and parallel longitudinal edges which converge toward the rear.

The sweatproof and identification means carrier 3| includes a base plate portion 54 and a transparent plate 55 which is secured to the portion 54 along the substantially rectilinear rows of stitching 56 to 6| inclusive. The base plate 76 portion 54 within the area defined by the stitches 56,57,59 and Gllmay have imprinted thereon any suitable indicia 62 which may take the form of a trade-mark which is thus protected by the transparentplate thereover. The transparent plate 55 within the area defined by the stitches 57, 58 and BI forms a pocket 64 within which may be removably inserted the identification card 63 which may carry the owners name and/ or number. The card 63 is frictionally retained in the pocket 64.

The connector means l4 and l may be formed of screw stems with a head on the outer end and a sleeve nut on the inner end of each. The heads on the means iii and ifi'may be in the form of decorative buttons carrying insignia thereon. Theconnector means It; may be in the form of a well known two legged brass paper fastener with the head thereof positioned forwardly of the strip 2| and spread leg ends thereof disposed rearwardly of the main band ll. The main band I! and the auxiliary band it are provided with oppositely disposed orifices to permit passage therethrough of the central portions of the connector means Hi and it; while the main band I! and the reinforcing strip are provided with aligned orifices to permit passageof the central portion of the connector means it. The portion 34 is also orific'ed for the connector it.

The crown stretcher ring it is an annular device preferably composed of metal or plastic. It

may be composed of flat strip spring steel, and this may be covered for protection and appearance. Its effective diameter is such that when it is in position in the larger top portion of the crown and the carrier 3! it exerts a constant radially outward pressure.

The removal, cleaning, and replacement of the crown I2 is a relatively quick and easy matter. One method, by way of illustration is here given: Assuming the cap iii to be fully assembled as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 8, to remove the crown l 2, first the ring IE5 is manually undulated to temporarily reduce its effective diameter and it is snapped out of the cap it by pulling it downwardly as viewed in Figure 4, out of engagement with the means 23. The crown now becomes limp. The sweat band is now pulled down through 180 and the nuts on the connector means I l and [5 are removed. The connector i5 is removed by bending the ends of the legs into a parallel condition and pulling the head forwardly. Next the means [4, l5, and it are pulled out clear of the cap I0. The retainer band 38 now being only lightly frictionally engaged between the main band ll, the outer portion 34 and the strip 2! on one side and the outer band 20 on the other, is easily pulled away from the frame I l. The crown may now be laundered and may have the ring l3 inserted therein to shape it while drying.

After drying, the ring I 3 is removed and the crown I2 is replaced to its original position on the frame. The retainer band 30 is either tucked in, inwardly of the decorative outer band 20 or the band 20 may be removed and then replaced. The various orifices in the parts are now adjusted for realignment to their original positions and the connector means M. l5, and it are replaced. In replacing the crown l2, this operation is facilitated by aligning the front part of the retainer band 30 and first inserting the connector l6, then the alignment of the orifices in the band 30 for the insertion of the connectors M and i5 will take place more or less automatically. Lastly the ring I3 is corrugated between the users fingers, engaged with the means 23 and snapped into place 6, against the rear" portion of the carrier 3| rear wardly of the plate 55 and substantially along the inner surfaceof the crown at the juncture 44. The ring 13 not only keeps the top wall 26 and the carrier 31 taut but also maintains the frontal support 22 in its proper angularly elevated posi'-' tion, thereby keeping the front wall 27 and the rear quarter walls 23 and 29 taut.

t may thus be seen that I have provided a novel and highly versatile hat or cap construction. Only a single means 53 need be used to protect and identify a plurality of crowns and this sweatproof and identification means is permanently connected to the frame ll. Only a single trademark printing need be used with consequent redu'cedexp'ense. The interbracing of the various parts permits them to be made of light weight comfortable materials without loss of durability and neat appearance. By virtue of the construc-' tion which I have outlined, when it is desired to compactly stow the frame, the frontal support member and the carrier 3! may be bent down to a position within the sweat band, that is within the annulus thereof, as indicated by the dot-dash lines in Figure 4. When the cap frame is subsequently set up, the ring 13 properly places and positions the support member 22 and the other parts as well. I

Thus the frontal member 22 and the carrier 3i, when the hat is collapsed for stowing-or shipping, may take the position indicated by the dot'-' dash lines on Figure 4. I p I The carrier 3i is connected at the forward edge l2 thereof to the upper edge 42 of the frontal sup .transverse channel M which is slidably mounted on the slide member iii. The slide member 16 is secured to the outer rear surface of the main band ll by means of the rivets l5 and Ti which penetrate the ends of the member 76 to leave a free portion of substantially greater length than the length of the channel 14.

By virtue of the construction just described the rear portion of the carrier 3! and hence the plate 55 may be shifted laterally of the hat or cap Ill to properly center the same for the purpose of comfort and appearance. Thus the connection of the rear portion of the carrier 3| with the frame I l is an adjustable one and the operator in fabricating the hat or cap It] need not take any time consuming care in locating the parts, since prope centering can be accomplished at a later time. This shiftability of the carrier 3| also permits the carrier to properly nest within the crown I2.

I wish it to be understood that I do not desire to be limited to the eXact details of construction shown and described, for obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. An interchangeable crown hat construction comprising: a main band of annular form; a

frontal support element connected to the main band, said frontal support element having front and rear surfaces and an upper edge; sweatprooiing means connected at the forward end thereof to the upper edge of the frontal support element forming therewith a rearwardly opening pocket and connected at the rearend thereof to the rear portion of the main band; a crown detachably engageable with said band and adapted to be disposed outwardly and above the sweatproofing means; a resilient stretcher ring detachably disposed between opposed portions of the sweatproofing means and engageable'at the-forward portion of said ring within said pocket. 1 1 V.

2. An interchangeable crown hat construction comprising: a main band of annular form; a frontal support element connected to the main band, said frontal support element having front and rear surfaces and an upper edge; sweatproofing means'conneoted at the forward end thereof to the upper edge of the frontal support element forming therewith a rearwardly opening pocket, and laterally shiftably connected at the rear end thereof to the rear portion of the main band; a crown detachably engageable with said band and adapted to be disposed outwardly and above the sweatproofing means; a resilient stretcher ring detachably disposed between opposed portions of the sweatproofmg means and engageable at the forward portion of said ring within said pocket.

3. An interchangeable crown cap construction comprising: a frame; a frontal support, the lower portion of which is connected to the front portion of said frame; a flexible carrier connected at the rear thereof to said frame and at the front thereof to the upper edge of the frontal support; a crown detachably engageable with said frame; a stretcher ring detachably engageable with said flexible carrier and frontal support; said crown in the engaged position thereof superposing said frontal support, flexible carrier, and said ring.

4. An interchangeable crown hat construction comprising: an annular main band; a crown having an enlarged top portion and detachably connected with said band; a carrier insertable into said enlarged top portion of the crown; means connecting said carrier with said band; a pocket associated with said carrier; identification means adapted to be inserted into said pocket; and a stretcher ring insertable between and engageable with opposed portions of the carrier in the enlarged top portion of the crown. V

5. An interchangeable crown hat construction comprising: a main band; a support element having first and second portions, said first portion being attached to said band and said second portion being movable with respect to said first portion; a carrier connecting the second portion of said support element and another portion of the band; a crown detachably connectable to said band; a stretcher ring disposed between the upper rear portion of said carrier and the forward portion of the carrier where it joins the second portion of the support element, said crown superposing the ring and carrier; and transparent pocket means associated with the carrier on the lower surface thereof for supporting identification means.

ABRAHAM I. JOSEPHS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED. STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,818,764 Silverstein Aug. 11, 1931 1,789,604 Slutzker Jan. 20, 1931 1,067,225 Abrahams July 8, 1913 1,485,778 Holzenthaler Mar. 4, 1924 1,895,593 Stern Jan. 31, 1933 2,154,210 Lev Apr. 11, 1939 40 2,408,318

Josephs Sept. 24, 1946 

